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War: Ukraine wants peace from day one – Zelenskyy says ahead of Saudi talks

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has said that his country is “fully committed” to having a constructive dialogue with US representatives in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting is scheduled to hold next week as countries seek ways to end the war with Russia.

Zelenskyy said on Saturday that “Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table.”

“The key is to move quickly and effectively,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X.

Zelenskyy said he was going to Saudi Arabia next week, adding that after his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, his country’s diplomatic and military representatives would stay for a meeting on Tuesday with the US team.

He added, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps.”

Foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and the defence minister, Rustem Umerov, will lead Ukrainian delegation to the high profile meeting.

Ekwutosblog reported that President Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump and US Vice president, JD Vance at the Oval Office a week ago.

However, the meeting did not end on a good note as both parties confirmed. Since then, the Ukrainian leader has been seeking ways to mend things with the US.

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Abuja International Conference Center Built In 1991 For N240m Is Being Renovated In 2025 For N39b BY Wike…

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The Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) was built at an estimated cost of $29.6 million (about ₦240 million at the exchange rate of the time). It was completed in 1991 and has since been one of Nigeria’s premier venues for national and international events.

In 2025 The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – CON, GSSRS , says the FCT Administration is expending N39 billion on the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre.

 

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Igwebụike in action! Pre-colonial Igbo society’s remarkable approach to community development, where every man was a landlord.

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This a picture depicting the Igbo people building house collectively for one another, free. In the olden days, life was so easy. The Igbo lived a communal life. When a man get to the age of ịpụ obi, his age grade would contribute in building house for him free. He will also do so to others.

No stress. No competition. Everyone moves together. Age grade was established by our ancestors to support one another. Growth was collectively massive. The concept of Igwebụike was loud. Onye aghana nwanne ya.

No one got paid for doing so. It’s free of charge. Community development was an important role and duty of pre-colonial Igbo society.

Everyone joyfully helped one another to stand as a man and have a shelter over his head. Every Igbo man was a landlord. No tenant. Once you are of age, either you have your home in your father’s house or ị pụọ obi. Your age grade will build you a house.

 

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Nigeria Customs Set to Introduce Automated Transire Process, Sensitises Officers, Stakeholders

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an Automated Transire Process (ATP), a system designed to enhance trade efficiency, minimise delays, and curb cargo diversion.

Speaking at a sensitisation session at Apapa Area Command on Thursday, 10 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, described the initiative as a transformative development for the NCS.

He stated, “This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.”

He further explained that the Automated Transire Process, developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance times, enhance tracking capabilities, and improve accountability.

ACG Orbih emphasised that real-time tracking and data transparency would mitigate the risks associated with cargo diversion while boosting stakeholders’ confidence in the system.

He added that faster access to goods at ports and terminals would benefit importers, exporters, and all players in the logistics chain.

Reflecting on the initiative’s origins, the Zonal Coordinator recalled that the automation project stemmed from a directive issued during last year’s CGC conference, where the ICT/Modernisation Department was tasked with automating the transfer process by the first quarter of 2025. This milestone has now been achieved.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, represented by ACG Zanna Gaji, further outlined the project’s benefits.

He remarked, “This system will enhance efficiency and transparency, improve revenue collection, and minimise opportunities for corruption by ensuring a fair and predictable process.”

He noted that the automation would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade and promote international best practices.

ACG Gaji stressed that the rollout would be gradual, beginning with a user acceptance test and a pilot phase at one of the bonded terminals.

“We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback,” he stated.

During the feedback session, Area Controllers within the Apapa environs underscored the importance of incorporating all relevant units and addressing the absence of a watchlist feature.

Stakeholders also sought clarification on the official launch date and requested adjustments to align the system more effectively with operational requirements.

In response, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Usman Abba, the team leader of the ATP development project, assured attendees that the system would be fully integrated with all relevant units, departments, and commands before full implementation.

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